Linkin Park’s Reformation In 2024: A New Chapter After Chester Bennington’s Passing

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In July 2017, the music world was shaken by the tragic death of Chester Bennington, the iconic frontman of Linkin Park, who took his own life at the age of 41. His passing marked a profound loss for fans and the band alike, bringing Linkin Park’s relentless momentum to a screeching halt. For seven years, the band remained largely inactive, save for a heartfelt tribute concert and a few archival releases.

However, in September 2024, Linkin Park announced a bold reformation, introducing new members and new music, signaling the start of a fresh chapter while navigating the complex emotions tied to Bennington’s legacy. This blog explores the band’s journey through grief, their decision to reform, the controversies that followed, and the promise of their future.

Chester Bennington

Chester Bennington was more than just a vocalist; he was the soul of Linkin Park. His raw, emotive voice—capable of both delicate melodies and gut-wrenching screams—defined the band’s genre-defying sound, blending nu-metal, hip-hop, and electronica. Albums like Hybrid Theory (2000) and Meteora (2003) became anthems for a generation, with hits like “In the End,” “Numb,” and “Crawling” resonating deeply with fans navigating their own struggles.

Bennington’s lyrics, often drawn from his battles with depression, substance abuse, and childhood trauma, gave voice to the alienated and broken. His death, ruled a suicide by hanging, was a devastating blow, compounded by its timing—just two months after the suicide of his close friend, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden. The band canceled their One More Light tour, and fans mourned the loss of a voice that had carried them through their darkest moments.

Linkin Park

In the years following Bennington’s death, Linkin Park grappled with an uncertain future. The surviving members—Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, Dave Farrell, and Rob Bourdon—focused on personal healing and honoring Bennington’s memory. On October 27, 2017, they held a tribute concert, Linkin Park and Friends: Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington, at the Hollywood Bowl.

Featuring guest artists like Blink-182, Korn, and Alanis Morissette, the three-hour event, streamed live on YouTube, was a cathartic celebration of Bennington’s life, with 25 million views as of September 2024. The band also released One More Light Live, a live album from their final tour with Bennington, in December 2017. Yet, beyond these efforts, the band remained on hiatus, with Shinoda stating in 2022 that there were no plans for tours or new music.

The spark for reformation began quietly in 2023. Unbeknownst to the public, the band approached Emily Armstrong, lead singer of Dead Sara, and drummer Colin Brittain to join Linkin Park. This decision was not about replacing Bennington but about reimagining the band’s future. In April 2024, rumors of a reunion surfaced when Billboard reported that Linkin Park’s booking agency, WME, was taking offers for a 2025 tour with a female vocalist.

The anticipation built with the release of “Friendly Fire,” a previously unreleased track from the One More Light sessions, and Papercuts, a greatest hits album, both in early 2024. A cryptic countdown on the band’s website, initially set for 100 hours, reset to count upward from zero, teasing the album title From Zero—a nod to their pre-Bennington days as Xero.

On September 5, 2024, Linkin Park officially announced their comeback via a livestreamed event in Los Angeles, introducing Armstrong and Brittain as new members. They debuted “The Emptiness Machine,” the lead single from their eighth album, From Zero, released on November 15, 2024.

The album, described as a genre-hopping return to their roots with a modern edge, was met with enthusiasm, with singles like “Heavy Is the Crown” and “Over Each Other” evoking the band’s classic sound. Live performances, including a sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena, were rapturously received, with Armstrong’s powerful vocals earning praise for honoring Bennington’s style without imitating it. However, guitarist Brad Delson stepped back from touring, with Alex Feder filling in, though Delson remained creatively involved.

The reformation wasn’t without controversy. Armstrong’s alleged ties to the Church of Scientology and her past support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson sparked backlash. Critics, including The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala, accused the band of failing to vet Armstrong properly. Bennington’s son, Jaime, expressed his anger on Instagram, accusing Mike Shinoda of erasing his father’s legacy, especially during Suicide Prevention Month.

Bennington’s mother, Susan Eubanks, felt betrayed, claiming the band promised to inform her of any reunion plans but failed to do so. She was particularly hurt by Armstrong singing Bennington’s parts, describing her performance as “screeching.” Armstrong addressed the controversy on Instagram, clarifying that she attended one of Masterson’s court hearings in 2020 but distanced herself after realizing her misjudgment, emphasizing her condemnation of abuse. She did not address her Scientology ties.

Despite the criticism, many fans embraced the new era. Younger audiences, like nu-gen duo ALT BLK ERA’s Chaya Beckett-Messam, saw the reformation as a way to honor Bennington while forging a new path. The band’s decision to continue as Linkin Park, rather than under a new name, stirred debate, but Shinoda emphasized that this was a “new chapter,” not a rewrite of the past. The From Zero album, blending the raw energy of Meteora with modern rock sensibilities, showcased a revitalized band. Reviews praised its cohesion and maturity, with Armstrong and Shinoda’s vocal interplay adding fresh dynamics.

Linkin Park’s reformation in 2024 is a testament to their resilience and willingness to evolve. While Bennington’s absence remains a void, the band’s return offers hope to fans old and new. By embracing new voices and sounds, Linkin Park is not erasing Chester’s legacy but building upon it, proving that even in the face of profound loss, music can heal and inspire. As they embark on a six-date international tour in 2025, including headlining festival dates, Linkin Park stands poised to reclaim their place as one of rock’s most influential acts, carrying Bennington’s spirit forward while writing a bold new story.